Marshall, Mo. (January 15, 2014) Missouri Valley College’s Murrell Library will host a reading, viewing and discussion series for adults called Pushing the Limits. The series brings together books and videos featuring authors, scientists and everyday people who thrive on exploring the natural world. It is organized around works of popular fiction that explore broad scientific themes. The overarching theme is real people, real stories and real science.

Since the beginning of time, humans have imagined and achieved ways to push the boundaries of the physical world. We want to be stronger, smarter and more aware, and we create stories to bring those dreams to life. But many of those stories are no longer just stories; and with great new advances in science and technology, we are finding ways in which all of us are able to push the limits every day.

The Pushing the Limits grant, aimed specifically at small and rural libraries, offers libraries subtle STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programming. The goal is to strengthen adult science programming and enhance public interest and involvement in STEM topics. Murrell Library is one of 75 libraries nationwide and the only library in Missouri to receive the grant.

This national program has been developed by a team of library professionals, scientists and filmmakers from Dartmouth College, the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, the Califa Group (a California-based library consortium), Dawson Media Group and Oregon State University-- with generous funding from the National Science Foundation.

Charles Guthrey, MVC adjunct instructor in the division of education and social science, will lead the discussion series.

"These books display the important human drives that are necessary if the species is to survive and flourish. Each book will, through its story, highlight these aspects of human society and culture that are universal to all people,” Guthrey said. “As a sociology instructor, I look forward to discussing these concepts with people.”

All programs are free and open to the public and will be held in Murrell Library’s Coffee by the Book Room. All participants will receive free copies of each book. For details or to register, please contact Jae Steinkuhler at 660-831-4181 or steinkuhlerj@moval.edu.

ABOUT MISSOURI VALLEY COLLEGE

Known for its dynamic, richly diverse, and friendly educational environment, Missouri Valley College offers many opportunities to grow in mind, body, and spirit. Grounded in the liberal arts, undergraduate studies empower students to master interdisciplinary skills needed to succeed in a knowledge-based global society. MVC offers over 40 academic programs, study abroad program, honors program, extracurricular activities, and 13 sports. The most popular majors include education and business, and some new majors are agribusiness, nursing, graphic design and health information systems (associate degree). Above all, Valley is committed to student success. For more information, call (660) 831-4000 or visit www.moval.edu.